Exploring the unknown (3)

Everything looked the same, but it felt different.

"This time it feels like there's someone in here as well with me. I don't know how to put it, but there's an odd feeling and a similarity to it."

To try to find out more about what had happened, I went to explore with the hope that I could discover more about it. The path to the meteorite was still blocked by mysterious plants and monsters. It was as if a force was preventing anyone from approaching it. I considered approaching these creatures, thinking that perhaps we might be able to understand each other. Slowly, I moved closer to the entrance of the forest where the meteorite had fallen. Not to my surprise, as like the last time, the monsters turned aggressive towards anyone who approached. Even if one tried to communicate with them, their speech was incomprehensible, and attempting to engage was likely to induce fear.

"What am I supposed to understand from their shouts and their arsenal aimed at my face? Why would they want to beat me up with some strange stones attached to those peculiar wooden sticks? From their behavior, I guess they are protecting something, but that something remains unclear. I don't think it's the meteorite they're guarding, though I can't entirely rule that out."

"Oh, never mind. I'll look for clues in the village I was when I woke up."

As before, I found myself in a village like area in a rural setting. At this moment, I headed towards the center of the village to seek help, assuming that a central area would likely have people from whom I could gather information. While wandering through the village, I noticed two individuals standing next to each other on a bench, staring at seemingly empty spaces in a detached manner as if they were devastated.

"Hi, I apologize for intruding, but I've got some questions. I was wondering if you might be able to provide some answers."

Upon my query, they exchanged an eerie glance directed at my face, immediately responding, "Hello, sir. It's no trouble. Please let us know what you're inquiring about!"

'Their response was unnaturally slow and felt somewhat sadistic. Something is weird about both of them, almost like an AI generated response. I should be cautious about what I ask.' That's what I was thinking.

"Yes, thank you for taking the time. All I want to know is what happened to the surround…"

Before I could finish my question, they talked over me. "There is nothing wrong with the environment. What do you mean by that? Our task is to waste time, as ordered by the great, great, great, gr…"

I decided to disengage, slowly distancing myself from them. They weren't proving to be helpful or at least talkable?

'They were not helpful at all. I wonder if there's someone else here who can assist me.'

I continued asking a few more people, yet their responses were similar generic and uninformative.

'This might be a little bit more problematic than I initially thought. There has to be someone, I think I should adjust my approach, but first, I'll try talking to that lonely guy from that playground what looks sad what looked no longer than eight years old.'

"Hey, little guy. Can you tell me why you're feeling sad?"

"*Sob* My mommy is not here, and nobody wants to help me. I don't know where I am, and nobody wants to answer me or play with me. *Sob*"

'Finally, someone I can communicate with, even if it's a child.'

"My dear, how long have you been here? Have you noticed anything unusual happening?"

"For a few hours or maybe a day, I'm not sure. The sun isn't moving, and my watch isn't working. Also, this wind is making me dizzy."

"Wind? Are you sure? Because I can't feel anything. Don't worry, though. Everything will be fine. In the meantime, could you tell me a bit about yourself? My name is George, and I'd love to get to know you better."

"Yes, my name is Alex, and I'm seven years old."

"Glad to get to know you, Alex! I'm George, a student. I'm in the dark about what's happening here as well. Let's find a safe place for you and then try to uncover more about this situation."